🎶 LE SSERAFIM’s “DIFFERENT” Debuts at #1 on Oricon: A New Chapter in KPOP’s International Ascent
# 🎶 LE SSERAFIM’s “DIFFERENT” Debuts at #1 on Oricon: A New Chapter in KPOP’s International Ascent
## Executive Summary
LE SSERAFIM, the five-member South Korean girl group known for their innovative sound and powerful performances, achieved a major milestone on June 24, 2025, when their first original Japanese single “DIFFERENT” debuted at number one on Oricon’s Daily Single Ranking with an impressive 98,898 points. This triumph marks the group’s successful foray into the Japanese music market and underscores their growing influence in the global KPOP scene.
“DIFFERENT” is not only LE SSERAFIM’s first original Japanese release but also their first exploration of disco-funk, showcasing the group’s versatility and willingness to embrace new genres. The single comprises three tracks: the title song “DIFFERENT,” a Japanese rendition of their earlier hit “HOT,” and “Kawaii,” selected as the theme song for the upcoming Netflix series _My Melody & Kuromi_. This strategic release follows the pre-release of “DIFFERENT” on June 9, 2025, building anticipation and momentum ahead of the full launch.
In addition to their chart success, LE SSERAFIM has announced encore concerts at Tokyo Dome on November 18 and 19, further cementing their commitment to engaging with Japanese audiences. Behind the scenes, each member’s personal journey and the group’s shared resilience emerge as defining themes, as reflected in candid interviews with Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, Cha Yeongjin, Hong Eunchae, and Sakura.
## Background: LE SSERAFIM’s Rise and Japanese Market Strategy
Since their debut in May 2022, LE SSERAFIM has consistently broken boundaries, both musically and culturally. Their previous Japanese single “FEARLESS” also topped major Oricon charts, signaling strong fan support in Japan. With “DIFFERENT,” the group took a bold step by releasing original Japanese content, aiming not just to translate existing hits but to create music that resonates authentically with Japanese listeners.
- Release Date: June 24, 2025 (full single)
- Pre-release Date: June 9, 2025 (title track)
- Oricon Daily Single Ranking Debut: #1 (98,898 points)
- Tracks:
• “DIFFERENT” (Japanese disco-funk)
• “HOT” (Japanese version)
• “Kawaii” (theme for Netflix’s _My Melody & Kuromi_)
- Upcoming Encore Concerts: Tokyo Dome, November 18–19, 2025
### Chart Performance
| Metric | Figure |
|---------------------------------------|----------------|
| Oricon Daily Single Ranking (June 24) | #1 |
| First-day Sales Points | 98,898 |
| Total Tracks | 3 |
## Musical Innovation and Genre Exploration
Venturing into disco-funk represents a departure from LE SSERAFIM’s signature pop-R&B sound. The groovy basslines, rhythmic guitar licks, and vibrant horn sections in “DIFFERENT” pay homage to classic funk while integrating modern electronic elements. The group’s vocals glide effortlessly over the track’s pulsating beat, demonstrating maturity and musical adaptability.
**Huh Yunjin** reflects on this artistic leap:
"My view is that you have to be focused on the present. Obviously it’s not always easy. We're only human."
Her words underscore the group’s philosophy of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
## Members’ Perspectives: Unity, Growth, and Dreams
Interviews across Weverse Magazine and USA Today reveal how each member’s personal journey contributes to LE SSERAFIM’s collective identity. Themes of resilience, camaraderie, and ambition run through their comments:
**Huh Yunjin** (Weverse Magazine):
“It's okay to walk that road, even if it's a winding one, as long as I'm with LE SSERAFIM.”
“My struggles before joining the group taught me the value of purpose and belonging. LE SSERAFIM grounded me.”
**Kazuha** (USA Today):
“We're usually known for our synchronized movements in choreography, but this time around, we have a more relaxed version where the members can each show their own style and vibes.”
“We want to really grasp this opportunity and grow further as artists.”
**Cha Yeongjin** (USA Today):
“By telling our FEARNOT and the listeners that we also are not always strong, I hope our fans can believe that they can also do it, whether it's difficult and whether it takes a lot of effort.”
**Hong Eunchae** (Weverse Magazine):
“I want to always be there for my teammates, in sadness and in joy.”
“There's just so many things I want to do! I have no idea what the future holds (laughs), but still, I'm sure I'll always remember this year as the year my dreams came true.”
**Sakura** (Weverse Magazine):
“I really kept my eyes ahead and went with it. We practiced really hard for 'ANTIFRAGILE.'”
“At first, I felt like there’s no turning back now.”
These reflections illuminate LE SSERAFIM’s internal dynamic—a blend of individual ambition and mutual support that propels the group forward.
## Strategic Media Tie-In: “Kawaii” and Netflix Collaboration
The inclusion of “Kawaii” as the theme for Netflix’s _My Melody & Kuromi_ series exemplifies a strategic cross-media partnership. By aligning with a globally distributed anime, LE SSERAFIM taps into new fan demographics, reinforcing their brand beyond the music charts.
## Upcoming Tokyo Dome Encore Concerts
Building on their chart success, LE SSERAFIM will host encore performances at Tokyo Dome on November 18 and 19, 2025. These concerts follow their successful Japan Tour earlier this year and promise elaborate stage production, fresh choreography, and potential debut performances of new Japanese tracks.
## Conclusion: A Landmark Moment for LE SSERAFIM and KPOP
LE SSERAFIM’s #1 debut on Oricon with “DIFFERENT” marks a significant chapter in the group’s journey and in KPOP’s ongoing globalization. By embracing disco-funk, delivering authentic Japanese content, and cultivating deep connections with fans, LE SSERAFIM continues to set new benchmarks for artistic innovation and market expansion. As they prepare for Tokyo Dome and future releases, the group’s unity and resilience remain at the core of their success.
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**Sources:**
• Allkpop: "LE SSERAFIM's 'DIFFERENT' Debuts at #1 on the Oricon Chart" (https://www.allkpop.com/article/2025/06/le-sserafims-different-debuts-at-1-on-the-oricon-chart)
• Weverse Magazine Interview with Huh Yunjin (https://magazine.weverse.io/article/view/716?ref=main&lang=en)
• Weverse Magazine Interview with Hong Eunchae & Sakura (https://magazine.weverse.io/article/view/718?lang=en&artist=LE%20SSERAFIM)
• USA Today Feature on Kazuha and Cha Yeongjin